Bronze struck medal with obverse showing Gothic revival building with legend above: THE FREE ACADEMY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK."; inscription in exergue: "WARD (sic!) MEDAL/ESTABLISHED/1853." Reverse has space for engraving at center surrounded by open laurel wreath with inscription: "THIS/MEDAL/IS/AWARDED TO/THE STUDENT OF MOST/PROFICIENCY OF."

Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.